 For Lincoln Rural Capt. Nick Hanson, his workday included conducting
firefighter training for firefighters from his department and around
the area, including New Holland, Armington and a few members of the
Explorers.
The Explorers is an organization for high school-age young men
and women who have an interest in becoming firefighters in the
future. Allowing them to attend trainings gives them some early
experience and offers them an opportunity to see what they may be
getting into if they choose firefighting as a career.
LDN caught up with Hanson and his group of trainees as they were
doing ladder exercises using the roof of the firehouse.
So, how hard is it to put up and climb a ladder? When you're a
firefighter with 50 to 75 pounds of protective clothing, tools and
equipment on your back, it is a lot harder than it looks.
Andy Anderson stood nearby watching the training. Anderson is a
member of the Lincoln Rural Department, and while Hanson was
teaching his group, Anderson offered some insight on what was going
on.
When a homeowner decides to climb up on his roof to do a repair,
he's more than likely going to be wearing everyday clothing. If he
has a lot of tools to take with him, he has the luxury of making
multiple trips.
For a firefighter going into a burning building, there is no such
luxury.
The protective clothing they wear includes heavy boots, special
gloves and a stiff, hot and heavy uniform. In addition, they will
have an air tank strapped to their backs and a breathing mask on
their face.
Anderson explained that with this entire garb, the seemingly
simple task of climbing a ladder becomes very laborious. One of the
biggest issues firefighters face when climbing is that with all the
equipment, including the air tank, vision is restricted, movement is
restricted and their center of gravity changes.
Hanson left his charges to practice ladder climbing and stepped
over to add a few comments about the training.
He and Anderson talked specifically about the use of the air
tanks.
"They are supposed to last a total of 30 minutes," Anderson said.
"But, when you're there, the nerves take over, and I can suck one
dry in 16 minutes."
Hanson agreed, saying that was common for most firefighters.
"What people don't realize," Hanson said, "is that we can only
count on 15 minutes of air. If it takes a firefighter five minutes
to get in the building, and he knows it will take him five to get
out, then he really only has five minutes to work."
Because of this, it is especially important that firefighters
move and work as quickly and efficiently as their massive wardrobe
will allow them.
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Getting into the building via a ladder is one area where time can
be trimmed off the real deal by doing practices ahead of time.
Hanson walked the group through transporting a ladder and working
as a team to stand, extend, tie off and lean the ladder onto the
eaves of the roof.
Then the trainees began practicing their ascent.
One young firefighter, who was reported to be quite new to the
job, began climbing the ladder one rung at a time; he stepped up
with the right foot, then brought the left to join it. On the ground
Hanson encouraged him to use both feet to climb, making each step a
step up.
The young man made it about halfway up the ladder, then stopped.
He stood in place for a few seconds and then told his instructor he
needed to come down.
Anderson commented that it was part of the training. Everyone
needs to know if the height is intimidating to the firefighter.
After the young man descended, others took their turn at the
ladder. Many made it all the way to the top, and a few had to stop
short.
When the first climber got to his second turn, he mounted the
ladder with resolve and climbed to the top without hesitation.
That's why they practice: to build their confidence, improve
their skills and get accustomed to the hindrances of their gear. In
the end, at least one young firefighter left the training knowing
he'd achieved great success and will be a much better firefighter
for it.
Both the rural and city fire departments based in Lincoln do
training exercises multiple times per month. Both the fire chiefs,
Chad Letterle for the rural district and Mark Miller for the city,
are happy to answer any questions about firefighter training.
[By NILA SMITH]
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